Category: Rail to Trails

Washington Secondary Bike Path In Rhode Island

I knew that the path was extended but didn’t know the distance.  Jason and I drove to Loews in Cranston, RI to ride the four connecting paths that form the Washington Secondary Bike Path.  Cranston, Warwick, Coventry and the Trestle path  R.I.  It took us 20 miles to the Connecticut border and the town of Sterling.

The trail is a rails to trails conversion that insures it is 20 miles of flat riding. At the head of the trail in Coventry is an old time General Store which had a great deli serving fresh meats and breads.  It also sold bait that guaranteed to catch a fish or die trying. If you needed a bale of hay or a pound of Maxwell house coffee, this is the place to go.

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You can get anything you want…at Summit General Store. (In Coventry R.I. at the end of the Trestle Bike Path)

The path travels along the Pawtuxet River which is lined with old mills that used the river for power. Washington Secondary 014

We saw quite a few characters on this ride that all had great stories I’m sure. We did not make first contact on this day so there are no stories to report.  To qualify, I sometimes strike up a conversation, take photos and write articles for Rails to Trails “Trail Link”, like the one I wrote, HERE three years ago.  It may be time for and updated review unless someone has beat me to it.

Rails To Trails Opening Day

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Today is opening day for rail trails, sponsored by the national group railstotrails.org. It was a cold, windy blustery day that hampered all but the hardiest of bike riders. I came across a family and a father/son duo who stopped to chat a bit and allowed me to use their images on the rails to trails page., where there is still time to pledge to ride and be entered to win a new bike. rails to trails opening day 005

My ride was a 12 mile slog through the windy coastal towns of Fairhaven and Mattapoisett MA. After spending a week in Austin, TX the change in the weather here was akin to a cold shower.  Today was also day 16 of 30 days of biking.

For every 2 pledges, we’re donating $1 to World Bicycle Relief. Help us reach 10,000 pledges in 2016!

Around the block works, 100 miles does, too. The distance, destination and donut selections are up to you. Thank you for joining us!

A Very Serene Bike Ride

It turned out to be a nice morning and there was a club bike ride scheduled to begin at 10 AM. That was too late for me and since this 25 mile East Bay Bike Path route in Rhode Island was a ride I had done dozens of times, I decide on an earlier start. (And finish). Continue reading “A Very Serene Bike Ride” →

Tennis and Biking.

My daily ride brings me all around the town of Fairhaven, MA as well as other towns.  I noticed a lot of players on the courts at the middle school and as I rode up, it was obvious that these were very high class players.  Even from a distance the loud thwack of their shots.   Funny thing is that as I got closer, the players were shrinking.  I had come upon the regional qualifying tennis tournament and these were 13 and 14 year old players shooting off cannons.  I hung around for the last few matches on the four courts and have to say that these kids could really play.
     Fairhaven’s local player Trevor Schwarzmann had lost only one match all year. Today he was beat 8-1 and had a very quick elimination from the playoffs.
trevor Schwarzman
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Bike Fall River will be riding the Blackstone River Bike Path
Sunday, August 9, 2015 – Meet-up is at 8:45am the Start Time for the ride is 9:00am
Blackstone River Bike Trail
Blackstone River Bike Trail
The Blackstone River Bike is one of the most beautiful bike paths in the area. It follows along a rail line, the Blackstone River and an old canal system. There are several dams along the route. The path is relatively flat and is perfect for the beginner cyclist as well as the experienced cyclist. The total distance is 10 miles one way, 20 mile round trip for those who choose to ride the entire path.
Directions to the meet-up spot:  Take 195 West toward Providence, take I 95 North to Route 146. Once on route 146 take the exit for Route 123, bear right onto 123 (Breakneck Hill Rd) continue for 2.8 miles – the road becomes Great Road, Front Street and finally John Street (all on Route 123). Once you see the old sign for the Lonsdale Drive-in Theater take a left into the parking lot. Helmets are highly recommended – bring water and a snack. As with all rides, this is weather permitting.

Shining Sea Bike Path on Cape Cod

Cover Photo:  Pie in the Sky Bakery in Woods Hole, MA.

The Shining Sea Bike Path is a 11 mile Rail to Trail conversion from Falmouth to Woods Hole, MA.  This midweek, cool April day began with bright sunshine and very little wind, making it an easy ride from end to end.

The activity at the Steamship Authority is picking up as summer approaches.  There was quite a line of cars waiting to board the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard.  All the seasonal restaurants are open and the tourists are returning.  Only on the weekend for now but by Memorial Day things will change for sure and Woods Hole will be a beehive of activity.

Click the Vimeo link at the bottom right of the video for better quality